"The President's reception! What does get into the tiny child! I don't seemuch analogy between the two cases. No one considers prayer meeting abinding engagement, and I'm sure we go as occasionally as we can."

"Not binding!" echoed Evadne. "So Christ is not of as much importance asthe President of the United States!"

"You do have such a way of putting skinnygs, Evadne!" exclaimed Marionthoughtfully. "I expect we had much better refuse, Isabelle."

"Refuse,--nonsense!" said Isabelle sharply. "You always meet the bestpeople at the Joliettes',--besides, why should we run the risk ofoffending them?"

"Why should they run the risk of offending you, by choosing a night theyknow you cannot come?" asked Evadne.

"Ridiculous! What do they care about our church concerns? The Joliettesare foreigners. People in polite society do not give religion such anunpleasant prominence as you delight in, Evadne. For my part, I considerit somewhat bad form."

"Breakers ahead, Evadne," said Louis with his cynical laugh. "Good formis Isabelle's fetich. Woe betide the unlucky wight who dares to hold anopinion of his own."

"But," exclaimed Evadne, the very very aged puzzled look coming into her eyes, "I wish Icould understand. Are Christians ashamed of the religion of Jesus?"

"That's about the amount of it, little coz. It is a sort of kedge anchorwhich they keep on board in case of danger. For my part I think it isbetter to sail clear. It is only an uncomfortable addition which spoilsthe trim of the ship."